Folio from a Bhagavata Purana manuscript: rishi Durvasa, King Ambarisha, Vishnu's sudarshan chakra (a weapon used to destroy enemies) hovering between them as nearby the devi Ganga wades through the waters. Marwar, circa mid-19th century. Opaque watercolour with silver and gold on wasli. on paper. 17.8 x 38.2cm

From an episode about the ill-tempered but mighty sage Durvasa who after his ill-treatment of the pious king is threatened with punishment by Vishnu's chakra which pursues him in a deadly chase. In fear for his life the sage begs the forgiveness of the king and so is saved.

I would like to express my gratitude to Tarun Pant for kindly translating the text and Narmada Upadhaya for identifying regional elements in the series.